My Preparation strategy
PGDM is one degree that’s not only fast paced but has all the elements that are part of your life skills as well. After a stint of 3.75 years at cognizant I was a bit rusty getting into academics but the dynamic and challenging schedule of PGDM at Narsee Monjee institute of Management studies, Bangalore really charged me up to pull my socks.
Here are few preparation tips that helped me while preparing for my SIP:
*Be up to date with current affairs and communication skills
SIP Interviews can either be a first try affair or could be your worst nightmare sitting for one company after the other. The first step that you have to master before getting into your dream company is to ace your group discussions.
*Keep the role above the stipend
The role becomes a preference above stipend because these two months of your college life are such an important stepping stone into your career. Hence apply to companies on the basis of the roles.
*Its ok to know less but show an attitude that you can learn anything
Summer Internship is something where companies look for people who are willing to learn rather than masters of the subject so it’s okay to not know everything but it’s extremely essential to be on your toes.
*Focus on having a strong base in your planned Majors
Although it’s okay to not know everything in your domain its quite essential for you to know the basics of the subject you are planning to make your career hence keep your basics brushed up before all interviews.
*Be Patient
Last but not the least be patient …. Sometimes it takes a lot of rejected interviews to find the right company that was destined hence never lose hope, keep trying and keep your spirits alive till you get placed.
Some tips to crack the interview for SIP
*Know everything about yourself because you are making a pitch about you to the interviewer.
*Take the interview in the direction you want it to go.
*Be confident and have a positive body language
*Understand the company background as well as the role before applying
My internship experience
My internship was at Big Basket as a part of their Buying and Merchandizing team. During my internship I understood the intricacies of Visual Merchandizing and Social Media Marketing. As an intern the experience at Big Basket gave me 360 degree feel of how an E-Retail business runs. The most important aspect in an industry like retail is that it is directly in touch with consumers hence the best place for a student of Marketing to work at.
The learnings of the past two months
*Gap analysis of Visual merchandising for a private label and all its products in app as well web.
*Breaking down and analysis of key improvement areas with respect to content and imagery for each product category wise.
*Substantial research back up for improvement opportunities and its importance and relevance
*Working model for imagery format as well content format.
*Implementation of findings with use of Photoshop and preparation of Design mocks for app as well web.
*Social media initiatives suggestions and its impact on the brand image.
How your first year of MBA helped you?
The theoretical knowledge acquired during the first year of MBA coupled with all the hectic project submissions, time crunch and group projects gave the perfect foundation that was required before the practical part of working as a management trainee.
How is it that you contributed to the company?
The project assigned to me was a real time problem that demanded complete analysis of the current situation as well as recommendations that actually would make the cut. Visual Merchandizing is something that is seen and felt by customers hence the changes suggested will directly impact sales and revenue generation.
Advise for juniors
SIP is a platform to actually live what you are planning to make your career into and gives the practical edge and sharpening that a student requires before going in-depth into their subject/domain hence enjoy the opportunity and try to make the most out of it.
Guidance from my Guide/ Mentor
I was extremely lucky to have someone like Mr. Aravind R, National Category Head for Bakery products at Big Basket as my guide. Not only was he supportive and helpful for all type of questions I had during the start of the project but kept motivating me along the 2 months with his tips whenever it was required.